Finding and living in a rental home can already be stressful. On top of that, understanding the legal rules around rent can make things even more confusing. Each U.S. state has its own laws for renting and increasing rent—and Texas is no exception.
If you’re a tenant or a landlord in Texas in 2025, it’s important to know that Texas does not have official rent control or rent stabilization laws.
But that doesn’t mean landlords can raise rent anytime they want or in any way they like. There are still certain rules, exceptions, and legal protections that you need to know about.
Let’s take a simple look at how rent increase laws work in Texas this year.
No Rent Control in Texas
Texas does not have rent control laws like some other states. This means that in most cases, landlords are allowed to increase the rent by any amount they choose. However, it depends on the type of lease agreement in place.
If you have a fixed-term lease (like a 12-month lease), the landlord cannot increase your rent during the lease period. They can only raise it once the lease ends and is up for renewal.
If you’re on a month-to-month lease, the landlord can raise the rent anytime—but they must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before the new rent begins.
Special Situations and Exceptions
Even though Texas does not allow rent control under normal conditions, there are exceptions where local governments may be allowed to apply temporary rent control.
This can happen during emergencies or disasters, such as:
Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.)
Oil spills or environmental accidents
Public health emergencies (like a pandemic)
Section 214.902 of the Texas Property Code allows municipalities to take special action in these rare cases.
When Rent Increases Are Illegal
There are some situations where raising the rent can be against the law in Texas. These include:
1. Discrimination:
Landlords are not allowed to increase rent to target a tenant based on race, religion, sex, disability, nationality, age, or family status. These are protected under Texas Fair Housing Laws.
2. Retaliation:
It is illegal for a landlord to raise rent as revenge for a tenant’s action. For example, if a tenant:
Complains to the city about unsafe or unhealthy conditions,
Asks for repairs,
Or joins a tenant union—
and then the landlord increases rent within six months, it can be seen as retaliation, which is not allowed under Texas law.
3. During a Lease Period:
For fixed-term leases, the rent cannot be changed until the lease ends. Any attempt to increase rent before that is not valid.
Notice Requirements in Texas
Texas law does not specify an exact notice period for rent increases. However, in practice:
For month-to-month leases, landlords should give at least 30 days’ written notice.
For long-term leases, changes can only happen after the lease ends unless otherwise stated in the lease contract.
Both landlords and tenants are expected to act in good faith, meaning they should treat each other fairly and communicate clearly.
In summary, while Texas does not have strict rent control laws, landlords cannot raise rent however they please. They must follow lease terms, provide proper notice, and avoid illegal reasons for increases like discrimination or retaliation.
Tenants also have legal rights and can take action if they believe a rent increase is unfair or unlawful. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant in Texas, staying informed helps avoid conflicts and protects your interests.
